Cagliari set for neutral venue

The Lega Serie A have ordered Cagliari to play AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin, a neutral venue, due to ongoing safety concerns over their home stadium.

Both the Lega and the local prefecture agreed sections of the new build were unfit to host fans ahead of Milan's visit on Sunday.

Lega president Maurizio Beretta rejected a counter-offer from Cagliari to play the game at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste, the venue for several games last season when the islanders moved out of their previous Stadio Sant'Elia home ahead of schedule.

A statement published on legaseriea.it read: "The Cagliari-Milan game of the 24th week of the Serie A season, scheduled for Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 1400 (BST), shall be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin."

Milan today acknowledged the change of venue but Cagliari are reported to be considering an appeal.

Cagliari have struggled to host matches in their unfinished Stadio Is Arenas this season and were forced to play Juventus at Parma's Stadio Ennio Tardini in December.

The Sardinian club were also ordered to play September's home game against Roma behind closed doors, prompting club president Massimo Cellino to defy the edict and invite season ticket holders to the Stadio Is Arenas regardless.

As a result, the Lega Serie A handed Roma a walkover 3-0 victory which Cagliari failed to overturn on appeal.